Turnaround Day
The winter solstice is later today. Getting to this point in the year always feels like a long, darkening slog. External world events haven’t helped. Although those don’t show any signs of improving (yet!), hope springs eternal that kindness and compassion may become the primary paradigm. Hope springs eternal.
The daily flood of bad news disguises the fact that there are positive stories that only need to be found. They do exist. For example, the growth of non-combustion energy sources over the past decade is truly astounding. Special interests and recalcitrant governments can delay the obviously inevitable, but technical progress does tend toward greater efficiency and lower cost.
There are success stories in almost all areas. The environment is getting cleaner, with a few glaring exceptions. Younger people worldwide are less willing to do as they’re told. Theological fanatics are increasingly found to be naked paper tigers, often with nasty habits. We’ve found most of the big rocks that might cause us to follow the non-avian dinosaurs. And we’ve proven we can do something about those we find.
Is there work to be done? Of course, and it is non-trivial and non-short-term. Groups such as https://www.aspenproposal.org/ are letting us know what’s possible - and desirable.
What is needed? More than anything, a change in paradigm. A problem can only be addressed if it is acknowledged. The rampant negativity of our current age must be turned around. What better time to start the process than the turnaround of the year?
Do your part! Find the good in others. Find the good in the news. Find the good in your own life. Once found, spread the good news. Then make it so.